A Beautiful Mind: An Ashley Keeler Interview
By: Alan Lee
I had the chance to have an interview with Ashley. Her photography is some of the most unique and mature I've seen when it comes to conceptual photographers, especially for someone who's only in the 8th grade. At first glance, you may just see abstract images, vivid colors at times, or even think to yourself, "That's disturbing"... But i urge you to take a closer look, the images and concepts shown by Ashley are something that can be taken in, and swallowed, changing the way we look at things. Like a fairytale, her images take you out of your world, and into a different world. Not necessarily her world, but a world where you can create yourself, express yourself and be free.
Below is the short interview, Please feel free to like her Facebook page and comment here on the blog.
Name
Ashley Nicole Keeler
Where is she from?
Originally from - Naples, Florida (Living in Pennsylvania now.)
Type of photographer -
Type of photographer -
Conceptual Photographer, occasional Portraits
1) What specific training do you have?
I'm mostly self taught, I'm only 8th grade so my school doesn't offer any sort of photography or graphic design classes.
2) Can you tell me some vocabulary or terminology specific to your job?
Well I know alot of photography terms and such, However I don't really apply them to my work.
3) What type of reading do you do on a daily basis?
Besides school work, Mostly photography magazines and at the moment I'm currently reading "The Art of Photography, An
1) What specific training do you have?
I'm mostly self taught, I'm only 8th grade so my school doesn't offer any sort of photography or graphic design classes.
2) Can you tell me some vocabulary or terminology specific to your job?
Well I know alot of photography terms and such, However I don't really apply them to my work.
3) What type of reading do you do on a daily basis?
Besides school work, Mostly photography magazines and at the moment I'm currently reading "The Art of Photography, An
Approach to Personal Expression." I really like reading fiction books too! They give me so much inspiration and inspire me often.4) Have the reading demands increased for your field, if yes, how?
Somewhat. I have read photography articles and magazines to get tips and such. So definitely!
4) If you could go back and change something in your life what would you do differently?
Hmm, That's tough! I really like how my life is going right now so I probably wouldn't change anything.
6) How long have you loved photography? Have you loved it all your life?
Since about 2011 I have been madly in love with it. I haven't loved it all of my life, If Im being honest it was never a thought in my mind until I got my very own camera back in 2011. I personally thought the sound of photography was very boring until I met the more creative side to it.
4) How much does someone with your job title make?
Well I don't shoot people, Yet. I've tried it and I don't find it very fun. However Im assuming it would depend on the photographer. How much time it takes to edit the photos, Go out and take the actual photos and the type of shoot it is would all depend on the photographer so prices would vary.
Well I don't shoot people, Yet. I've tried it and I don't find it very fun. However Im assuming it would depend on the photographer. How much time it takes to edit the photos, Go out and take the actual photos and the type of shoot it is would all depend on the photographer so prices would vary.
8) What kind of photography do you do? Do you enjoy it? Why or why not?
I shoot Conceptual Photography along with Portraits here and there. (I would LOVE to get into Wildlife and Fashion photography in the future.) Of course I enjoy it! Otherwise I wouldn't do it. I like all the adventures photography takes me on, Meeting new people and making new friends, and I like the fact it's just something I can be me at.
I shoot Conceptual Photography along with Portraits here and there. (I would LOVE to get into Wildlife and Fashion photography in the future.) Of course I enjoy it! Otherwise I wouldn't do it. I like all the adventures photography takes me on, Meeting new people and making new friends, and I like the fact it's just something I can be me at.
9) What are the pros and cons of being a photographer? Please be specific.
Pro's of being a photographer, You meet amazing people, Go on some pretty awesome adventures, Just so many things! Con's well, I don't really see any con's in being a photographer. I think if you truly love photography there really isn't any con's to being a photographer. Sometimes it can be very time consuming between shooting and editing but, The final result is well worth the time.
Pro's of being a photographer, You meet amazing people, Go on some pretty awesome adventures, Just so many things! Con's well, I don't really see any con's in being a photographer. I think if you truly love photography there really isn't any con's to being a photographer. Sometimes it can be very time consuming between shooting and editing but, The final result is well worth the time.
10) If you weren't a photographer, what would you want to be? Why?
If I wasn't trying to become a photographer I think I would try and improve my writing skills and become a fiction writer. Creating stories is much fun. Either that or a Explorer or Fashion designer. One of those three would be absolutely amazing to be. I would want to be one of those three because there all so fun and creative.
Where do you see yourself 5yrs from now?
In 5 years I see myself in collage. Studying photography.
12) Who is your greatest influence in life?
My greatest influence in life would be my Mom. She is a amazing person, She supports me all the way and I love her.
13) Who is your influence in photography?
My greatest influence in photography, Well I don't know if she is a influence but she inspires me very much, Annie Leibovits.
14) What advice would you give someone who wants to be a photographer?
I know it's been said many times by many people but I would definitely say, Never give up. Always follow your dreams because you will get there. Keep yourself inspired and don't compare yourself to others and your dreams will become reality someday.
In 5 years I see myself in collage. Studying photography.
12) Who is your greatest influence in life?
My greatest influence in life would be my Mom. She is a amazing person, She supports me all the way and I love her.
13) Who is your influence in photography?
My greatest influence in photography, Well I don't know if she is a influence but she inspires me very much, Annie Leibovits.
14) What advice would you give someone who wants to be a photographer?
I know it's been said many times by many people but I would definitely say, Never give up. Always follow your dreams because you will get there. Keep yourself inspired and don't compare yourself to others and your dreams will become reality someday.
15) Where can people view your work and/or buy it?
I mostly just keep up with my Facebook Page the most - Ashley's Facebook Page
I mostly just keep up with my Facebook Page the most - Ashley's Facebook Page
